Most unfortunate are the shots of Nicki Minaj in a cage, a la Shakira. We have discussed black women in cages before — most notably Amber Rose and Grace Jones. It's a tired, troubling visual. In this context, we're supposed to see Nicki as threatening, wild, dangerous. But the objectification and exoticization of black women is steeped in racism. (via)

The unemployment rate for recent graduates was highest in architecture, at 13.9 percent, probably at least partly because of the housing market collapse. Even architecture majors who went on to receive graduate degrees, which usually safeguard workers from unemployment, are doing poorly in the job market. With a jobless rate of 7.7 percent, architecture majors who hold graduate degrees are still more likely to be unemployed than newly minted college grads who studied journalism (!). (via)

The Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins made the traditional congratulatory visit to the White House on Monday, but without star goalie Tim Thomas, who chose not to go in protest. Thomas, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of last year's playoffs, posted a statement on his Facebook page using the liberal use of capitalization you see from defenders of Liberty:

I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People.
This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.
Because I believe this, today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL. (via)

Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.) and Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat who is challenging him for his seat, signed an agreement Monday that discourages outside spending in their hard-fought Senate race, which has been inundated with millions of dollars in advertising by super PACs and other independent groups.

The pact marks a groundbreaking attempt by the candidates to gain control over outside spending, which has proliferated this year in the wake of court rulings that made it easier for corporations, unions and wealthy individuals to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns.

It’s unclear how effective the agreement will be, however, because candidates are prohibited from coordinating with independent groups.

Under the deal, Brown and Warren pledged to pay a penalty of 50 percent of the cost of any TV or Internet advertising by an outside group, regardless of whether the ad is aimed at supporting themselves or attacking the other candidate. The money would be given to a charity of the opposing candidate’s choice. (via)

the good wife is shooting on nassau avenue this morning, at AmBeR of all places! GPP likes to joke about dining at this classy establishment, but i might have a to get a bit more serious if nurse hathaway eats there.

It's been over six years since Fiona Apple released a new studio album, and in November, it seemed uncertain that her Extraordinary Machine followup would be issued anytime soon. But on Sunday, Epic Records CEO L.A. Reid posted a Tweet confirming that new material from Fiona will be released soon, as Perez Hilton notes.

"Lots of good music coming from @Epic_Records in the next few weeks. Stay tuned music fans. Welcome back Fiona!" Clarifying to a Twitter follower, he said, "YES Fiona Apple!" (via)